Former Man Utd captain linked with Premier League return as Varane price tag set

Manchester United appear to be making headway as they look to address their long-standing lack of strength and depth at centre-back.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly been pursuing a new partner for Harry Maguire for some time, while Eric Bailly's persistent injury woes have left his side threadbare at the back.

Real Madrid and France stalwart Raphael Varane has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and it emerged earlier this week that United are in advanced transfer talks to sign the World Cup winner.

The latest reports in Spain claim Los Blancos have set their asking price for Varane – and it may startle Red Devils chiefs.

Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic could present a more affordable option for United, and the Serie A club – like Real Madrid – have decided on a price tag for their defender ahead of a potential departure.

Also featuring a former Red Devils skipper's Premier League return links, here is Saturday's Manchester United transfer round-up.

Young linked with Premier League return

Former Manchester United captain Ashley Young could be heading back to the Premier League this summer, as he is linked with a return to Championship promotion-hopefuls Watford.

Young came through the ranks with the Hornets and made 110 appearances for the club before joining Aston Villa in January 2007.

The former England international would move to Old Trafford four-and-a-half years later, going on to win four major honours and rack up 262 appearances for the Red Devils, while also wearing the armband for half of the 2019/20 season.

Young joined Inter Milan in January last year and will hope to clinch the Serie A title with the Nerazzurri this season, as they have a commanding 11-point lead at the top of the table.

But the 35-year-old is expected to leave this summer at the expiry of his contract. The Daily Mail claims Watford – who are second in the Championship and firm favourites for automatic promotion – will offer Young a 12-month contract if they return to the top flight.

What was Ashley Young's finest moment in a Manchester United shirt? Have your say in the comments.

Real Madrid 'set Varane price tag'

Real Madrid will consider offers in the region of €70million (£61m) for Raphael Varane this summer, according to Marca .

The Frenchman – who lifted the World Cup in 2018 – has just over one year remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital.

The report adds Los Blancos suspect Varane would like a new challenge, as he has shown little interest in signing the extension offer they made a number of months ago.

As such, Santiago Bernabeu chiefs are willing to sell the 27-year-old at a hefty price in a bid to raise funds for other transfers.

United are believed to have made progress in their pursuit of Varane in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen if they will sanction a £61million bid for a player who is out of contract next summer.

Milenkovic also on United's radar

At a more reasonable price, Manchester United could turn to Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic.

The 23-year-old, like Varane, is out of contract next year and appears unlikely to pen a new deal.

As mentioned, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to sign a new option in central defence and Milenkovic has been a standout performer in his position in Serie A this season.

Chelsea are also understood to be interested in the Serbia international and Fiorentina have set an asking price of £38million for his services, claims The Sun .

While this is considerably lower than Real Madrid's price tag on Varane, the report adds United are reluctant to stump up that amount.

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